What to pay attention to when buying a sewing machine. Everything you need to know about sewing machines

Indeed, for home use You don't need an expensive sewing machine.

But it is important to distinguish an inexpensive sewing machine from a low-quality one!

The first suspicion should be caused by the huge number of operations and the low price. A normal machine must have a powerful motor, a metal frame and an optimal set of operations corresponding to the type of machine (electromechanical 15-25; electronic from 40)

Conclusion: Quality cars can't be cheap

Horizontal shuttle is better than vertical shuttle

Let's note that all the advantages of a horizontal shuttle appear only in machines with a zigzag width of 6mm or more!

pros

• Adjust the width of all lines to scale, without distortion.
• Possibility of making wide and narrow laundry loops, and with electronic control - eye loops, with rounded edges, elastic, etc.
• The transparent shuttle cover allows you to monitor the thread on the bobbin.
• The horizontal shuttle does not require adjustment of the tension of the lower thread; adjustment is carried out only using the tension of the upper thread.
• Note the ease of refueling and caring for the shuttle.

Minuses

• The horizontal shuttle is expensive to repair.
• Quite fragile and wears out quickly with intensive work.

Conclusion: A horizontal shuttle is justified in machines with electronic or mechanical control, but with a stitch width of more than 6 mm.

I don't trust the Chinese assembly

Fears are in vain! Global manufacturers are moving their factories to China to make their products more affordable. But a cheap thing is not always of high quality, and vice versa. For example, let's take the American company Apple, which assembles its products in China. As a rule, the price speaks about the quality, and not about the country of origin.

Most factories for assembling sewing equipment are under the quality control of the manufacturer himself, who, in conditions of fierce competition, is simply obliged to maintain the brand.

The more expensive the car, the smoother the stitching

Let's look at what affects the quality of the stitch:

• The width of the toothed rack (lower conveyor) and the number of teeth on it that move the fabric under the foot. Accordingly, the wider and larger, the better.
• The ability to adjust the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric will allow you to evenly advance all layers of fabric.
• Depending on the fabric, you should choose a more suitable type of overlock or decorative stitch, length and width of the operation. This will help you adjust the tension correctly on difficult-to-process fabrics.
• Right choice The type of needle and quality thread significantly affects the evenness of a straight stitch. Because old, damp, cheap, twisted and fluffy threads will create an uneven stitch.
• Machines with a horizontal shuttle cope better with thin fabrics, and the vertical shuttle easily works with more dense materials. It is not recommended to sew leather and similar materials on household machines.
• We must remember that household sewing machines can never be compared to industrial ones. Many people call household sewing machines universal because... They are said to sew through all types of fabric. This is partly true, but when working, you should not neglect sewing tricks and remember that household machines are not intended for commercial purposes.

Conclusion: The quality of the stitch depends on the machine, but more on how you set it up

In fact, any, even the simplest sewing machine can help you create a masterpiece. After all, the era of the great couturiers occurred in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries, when sewing machines had just come into use and were quite simple. There was no talk of computer control or electric drive, but it was in those times that such great masters as Charles Worth, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel lived and worked.

At the same time, it is foolish to deny that a good and correctly selected sewing machine significantly saves the time, effort and nerves of the master. How can you make the right choice, not get lost in the huge number of companies and models, choose from the list of functions what you need, and not pay extra?

Let's try to figure it out. First, decide exactly what you need the machine for. Do you just want to have it at hand so that you can shorten too long trousers yourself without having to run to the tailor every time, sew up a jacket torn by a child and cut a new curtain, and you are unlikely to aim for anything more? Maybe you have a desire to sew carnival costumes children - or are you ready to take a closer look at your wardrobe? If you are going to sew, then what? Summer dresses from light fabrics, or a coat and harsh jeans? Or maybe you are mainly focused on knitwear? Once you have decided, you can begin to choose the model that is optimal for your purposes.

Let's define the points on which a choice has to be made. Firstly, this is the manufacturer, and secondly, the type sewing machine, and thirdly, the necessary set of functions that will determine a specific model. Let's start with the first one.

⇡ Manufacturer

Here, as in any other field, there are market leaders and little-known companies.

The most famous are Minerva, Bernina, Janome, Pfaff, Brother, Singer, Husqvarna. The choice among leading manufacturers is largely determined by personal preferences, the availability in the store of a selection of the machines themselves and additional accessories for them. You should also take into account the availability of service centers in your place of residence - with a high mileage of the machine, this factor begins to play a significant role.

With lesser-known companies, things are not so clear. Often, with the same set of functions, a machine from an unknown company costs significantly less. But, in addition to the obvious risk of getting worse quality, here you may stumble upon another pitfall: difficulties in purchasing additional legs and components. Little-known companies often have very exotic foot mounts or bobbin sizes. Therefore, if you still decide to save money, be sure to find out which accessories are suitable for this model, and whether you will have the opportunity to purchase them without unnecessary hassle and overpayments.

⇡ Types of sewing machines

All sewing machines are divided into industrial and household. Usually a household one can do a lot of things at once, and an industrial one can do one thing - but it can do this one thing very well and for days, years, kilometers - without breaking down. At least that's the idea.

However, industrial machines are unlikely to interest you, unless you intend to open a small sewing enterprise - they are very expensive, bulky and noisy in operation - so in this material we will concentrate on household ones. Household machines are divided into:

• electromechanical,
• computer,
• sewing and embroidery
• embroidery,
• overlockers,
• cover,
• carpetlocks.

What does this all mean, and which category should you choose?

1. Electromechanical sewing machines- the simplest of all. The entire internal content of such a machine is mechanics, that is, levers, shafts and gears. Only the motor that drives it all is electric.

• 32 types of stitches
• semi-automatic loop
• vertical shuttle
• stitch length 4 mm
• stitch width 5 mm

The undoubted advantages of this type are reliability, low price, and inexpensive repairs in case of breakdown. Conventional electromechanical machines are inferior to computer machines in the speed of operation and number of functions, since the technological design features do not allow for stitching of complex shapes, but are perfect for beginning seamstresses, or those who want to have a reliable assistant for small household needs. However, a coat, jeans, and a ball gown are quite capable of a good and properly adjusted electromechanical machine. The approximate price category of such machines is 3-5 thousand rubles. Simple, affordable, reliable.

2. Computer sewing machines They are distinguished by the presence of a computer board, which provides general management of the process, which allows this type of machine to carry out rather intricate stitch programs. The movement of the needle relative to the fabric is controlled by a microprocessor. What a particular model can do depends on the amount of memory and the number of programs of this machine “brain”.

• 197 types of operations
• automatic loop
• horizontal shuttle
• stitch length 4.5 mm
• stitch width 7 mm

Their starting price approximately two to three times higher than the price of electromechanical ones. At first glance, the huge number of stitch types seems to be an undoubted advantage. These include 15 types of different loops, and chains of different flowers and leaves, and a dozen overlock stitches, and knitted seams. But take a closer look at this list and think about which ones will you personally actually use? It turns out that you don’t need some of it at all, and some of it is just numerous duplicates of the same thing with minor deviations.

Personally, I regularly use six or seven of the 56 stitches that my machine has, and use two more from time to time. However, one cannot help but notice that this already greatly expands my capabilities in comparison with working on an electromechanical sewing machine. So don’t be tempted by the excess of functions - it’s not at all a fact that you will need all of them. Or rather, the fact is that you are unlikely to ever try many of them.

Several types of overlock stitches, a knitted stitch, a triple reinforced stitch, a knitted loop and a loop with an eye will be useful in your work - in addition to the regular loop, of course. The rest of the features are up to you, just don’t let the variety go to your head. It's a shame to pay extra money for something you will never use.

The undoubted advantage of a well-functioning computer machine is the speed and accuracy of its work. If your plans include kilometers of frills and sewing to order for 8 hours a day, a computer machine will significantly save you time and give you additional opportunities for creativity. A buttonhole with an eye is, of course, a small thing, but this little thing affects the entire look of the coat.

The disadvantages are the high price, capriciousness in setting up, and repairs, if something happens, more expensive.

3. Sewing and embroidery machines. Everything is simple here, unlike industrial embroidery machines, which can, in fact, only embroider; such combines often combine two functions.

In my personal opinion, budget versions of sewing and embroidery machines combine these functions very poorly. They are too capricious compared to regular sewing machines, and compared to full-fledged embroidery machines, they are too limited in embroidery capabilities. And more expensive models are also scary in price. Therefore, I recommend considering this class of machines exclusively as embroidery machines and purchasing them based on these purposes.

Also, don’t think that if you buy an embroidery machine for 100-300 thousand, you will immediately create a masterpiece. Embroidery on a sewing machine is also an art that needs to be learned. In courses or independently, using books or online lessons. In general, working with it is somewhat reminiscent of working in Photoshop. You can go to a specialized website, type in motifs drawn by someone there, quickly read the instructions and glue them together as best you can, adding stars and hearts with a stamp. But if you look at the masterpieces created by professionals, it becomes clear that this is not even a third of the capabilities of this tool.

So, think carefully about whether you need this, and to be honest, in most cases it is much easier and incomparably cheaper to order embroidery from a workshop that already has serious equipment and a good craftsman. Outsourcing is everything to us. Personally, this is what I usually do.

4. Cover sewing machines. They are - flat stitch machines.

Designed to create an elastic flat seam used to close hem edges. knitwear. This whole complex verbal construction refers to that seam that you can see on the hem and sleeves of almost any T-shirt.

Among household machines, flat stitches can be made by two types: flat stitch machines and carpet lockers. A regular stitch looks the same on both the front and back sides, as the top thread is wrapped around the bottom thread (bobbin) and tightened. A flat or chain stitch looks different. It is obtained by simultaneous operation of two or more needles and loopers.

This type of sewing machine is designed to work with elastic “stretch” fabrics. If your main goal is T-shirts, swimsuits and tracksuits, this is your choice. Price category from 10-15 thousand.

5. Overlock is a machine with one or two needles, equipped with a trimming mechanism and designed for overcasting sections of a wide variety of sewing products. When choosing an overlocker, you should first of all focus on ease of threading and sewing. We should also not forget about the possibility of overcasting with different numbers of threads. Most overlockers perform 3- and 4-thread overcasting, suitable for most types of fabrics, and rolled edge overcasting. On higher-end overlockers there is a 2-thread overlock designed for the finest fabrics - such as silk or chiffon - as well as for decorative finishing.

In principle, overlocking functions are also available in computer sewing machines. But a seam made with a real overlocker is much more accurate and reliable. In addition, the overlocker is equipped with knives that themselves cut off excess allowance, leveling the edge, which significantly saves time. In general, if you sew regularly and the free space allows you to place two units, an overlocker will be a very useful acquisition, but if not, you can do without it. In any case, it does not replace a sewing machine, but only complements it. It is not intended for assembling product parts. The price for overlockers starts from 6 - 7 thousand, for 10 you can buy a quite decent model.

6. Coverlock is a relatively new invention that many are not particularly familiar with. Pfaff marketers came up with this name for their range of such machines and patented it, after which it firmly entered into everyday use. It combines the word “overlock” and the English term coverstitch, that is, “covering” or “closing” stitch. This machine can perform both overcasting of garments, and flat seams and straight chain stitch, that is, it combines an overlock and a flat stitch machine. The price for carpet locks is quite high and starts from 25-30 thousand.

Like a cover sewing machine, a carpet locker is designed to work with knitwear. The design also assumes the presence of several (from 2 to 10) upper threads and loopers, with the help of which you can create various, sometimes very complex seams, indistinguishable from industrial ones.

What to choose for working with knitwear - a carpet locker or a pair of overlockers plus a cover-stitching machine? On the one hand - at the carpet lock large quantity loopers, which allows you to make more complex seams; it alone takes up much less space, and its high price is quite comparable to the total cost of a cover stitcher and an overlocker. On the other hand, during processing garment You may need to first overlock, then flat stitch, overlock again, flat stitch again, and so on every five minutes.

In the case of two machines, this will not present any difficulty, and each time the carpet lock will have to be reconfigured from a flat seam to an overcast or overcast stitch and back. And this is a rather long and painstaking process, which even with skill takes several minutes. It's up to you to decide what's more convenient.

⇡ Model capabilities

This question is most acute when choosing a specific model of computer sewing machine. It is with this type of machine that the number of lines often exceeds two hundred and causes ripples in the eyes and dizziness. You don’t need to start your choice with the number of lines. There are more important parameters that you should decide on first.

1. The type of fabrics the machine is designed to work with. There are machines for working with all types of fabrics; there are models designed for light and medium, or vice versa, for medium and heavy fabrics. If you definitely know that your main area of ​​activity will be, for example, dance dresses made of silk and chiffon, take a machine for light fabrics, it will work with them better than a universal one. If your choice is a coat and jeans, consider models for medium and heavy fabrics. They usually have a larger gap between the foot and needle plate, which allows you to put a thicker layer of fabric under the foot, and a more powerful motor that can stitch this layer.

2. Maximum stitch length (up to 5 mm) and maximum zigzag width (up to 7 mm). The larger these parameters are, the better: it expands the field of possibilities.

3. Shuttle type: the shuttle can be vertical, with a removable bobbin case, as well as horizontal, where there is no bobbin case. The second option is more modern and reliable - it has fewer parts that can break.

4. The loop can be automatic or semi-automatic. The “full” machine allows you to make up to 7 different types of buttonholes, in one operation you can sew a buttonhole exactly to the size of the button, remember the size and repeat a buttonhole of the same size the number of times you need.

Automatic buttonhole foot

Semi-automatic buttonholes are usually performed by simpler models. Here you determine the size, guided by the markings on the foot, the loop is sewn in 4 consecutive operations. It’s not difficult and it’s not that long, but if you multiply it by 10, 20, 30 buttons per suit, the difference is quite significant.

Foot for semi-automatic buttonhole

5. Optional, but very convenient features are a built-in needle threader, the ability to sew with a double needle, a needle positioning button and a spot fastening button. If you are going to sew a lot, you should pay attention to the possibility of working without a pedal and external speed adjustment; this greatly saves your leg, which after four to five hours of continuous pressing the pedal begins to complain, and besides, the pedals fail faster than the machines themselves, and they do this, as a rule, at the most inopportune moment.

⇡ Additional accessories

The capabilities of the basic machine you purchased are far from the limit. Accessories play a huge role in the quality of the result and the speed of achieving it. The fact is that for a high-quality result it is very important to choose the right foot, needle and thread for each fabric and operation. The table for the ratio of the thickness of needles and threads is in the instructions for the sewing machine - and here you are unlikely to go wrong.

But in addition, there are special needles for difficult fabrics - for example, they will be needed for working with leather, denim, stretch fabrics and jersey. Different sharpening of the tip allows them to work most accurately with the material for which they are intended. Very often, situations arise when a novice seamstress scolds the machine for missing stitches or other seam defects, but the problem is simply the wrong choice of needle.

There is also a huge variety of paws. On one of the largest Russian-language forums dedicated to needlework, the topic about various paws occupies more than 200 pages and is regularly updated. At the same time, only the bare minimum is included in the basic package. And this is where the initial choice of the machine begins to play a role - your capabilities may ultimately be limited by how easily you can purchase additional legs.

5. Foot for sewing, beads and sequins.

And hundreds more types of paws, attachments and devices designed to do what previously could only be done by hand. Make your work easier and turn sewing into a fun process.

⇡ Total

Of course, this is not all that can be said about sewing machines. Despite the apparent similarity, each model may have nuances and subtleties that will make it most suitable, or, conversely, unacceptable, for you personally. Convenience of threading, location of buttons and control levers, sound during operation, appearance of the light bulb and more, and more, and more.

Ideally, you should go to the showroom of a large store and sit different models, thread the threads, sew a test stitch, trying out how it will be and whether it will be comfortable for you. If this is not possible, or you are sorely short of time for this, wait for the next releases. I will do this for you and share my impressions in as much detail as I can.

Before you go to the store sewing equipment For a future assistant, with whom you will not only meet, but also become friends for many years, you should prepare well and draw up an action plan.

First step

Decide on the amount you are willing to pay for sewing machine.

In the range of allocated funds, look at models from different companies, read the characteristics and reviews. But don't choose the cheapest machine.

Decide for yourself what you want to sew on this machine, what fabrics you mainly plan to work with.

Which company to choose

Here you can consult with experienced gurus who have been sewing for a long time and have changed more than one model of sewing machine. Or choose according to your own preferences after testing in the store - the one you liked more than others.

Machine with mechanical or computer control

The main differences between these types of sewing machines are in the mechanism of needle movement, the presence of stitches and the ability to perform individual stitches.

Mechanical machines cannot make stitches of complex shapes.

Meanwhile, computerized models, where a microprocessor is responsible for the movement of the needle, can perform decorative stitches of any complexity, as well as buttonholes with an eye.

Horizontal or vertical shuttle

If you have at least some experience in sewing on a machine, you will not have any difficulties with the choice. If you have no experience at all, just test the machines with both types of shuttle.

Most often there are machines with a horizontal shuttle device.

The vertical shuttle is installed on expensive electromechanical sewing machines, as well as on professional equipment.

The simplest shuttle, swinging like in the old Chaika machines, is used in cheap models of mechanical sewing machines.

Testing a sewing machine right in the store

Take pieces of different types of fabrics with you and test the machine on them right in the store.

First of all, check the evenness of the stitches, especially. Place a small piece of cotton fabric under your foot and start sewing. Do not guide or hold the fabric with your hands. The machine should sew straight. There should not be a feeling that the fabric is being pulled to the side.

Try basting stitches. This function is usually automatic. If there is a loop with an eye, select it for testing and see how the machine copes with the task.

To test knitwear (or any other difficult fabric), in addition to a piece of fabric, be sure to take a knitwear needle with you. This is the only way you can check whether the selected model sews knitwear.

The simpler and cheaper the model, the simpler the fabrics for testing should be. You definitely shouldn’t take knitwear and oil for your first acquaintance with the machine.

, or Everything that helps sewing and cutting

Fabric pressure regulator

Even the simplest model should have a regulator of the pressure of the foot on the fabric, which affects the quality of the stitch, the length of the stitch and ensures normal movement of the fabric under the foot. For example, for knitted fabrics, in order to avoid stretching of the fabric, it is necessary to release the pressure.

Thread tension...

...responsible for the quality of the stitching. Pay attention to the reverse side of all sewing operations you performed during testing. The stitching should be even and neat on both sides. Of course, in the process of working with different types fabrics, you will have to change the thread tension, but with the factory settings the machine should be able to handle the most ordinary cotton fabric without any problems.

Speed ​​controller

This is a very important and convenient function, the absence of which can negatively affect the first experience - pressing the sewing machine pedal ineptly and the item can be damaged. The regulator should provide the ability to adjust the sewing speed from “stepping” to very fast.

Almost any modern machine has a sufficient set of functions. They should be convenient and understandable even to an inexperienced user.

Warranty and service

The warranty on the machine must be at least one year.

We buy

If you are satisfied with the test results, you can safely make a purchase. Just don't forget to check your sewing machine. And at home, be sure to completely read the instructions for your sewing machine.

Photo: pixabay
Material prepared by Yulia Dekanova

The first thing you pay attention to is appearance cars. Oddly enough, but it is her attractiveness that sometimes becomes the decisive factor. Manufacturers understand this, so they try to ensure that the design of their products is modern and visually pleasing.

However, you should not give in to emotions, first you should thoroughly study all the capabilities of the model, choose what you need, and then, from all the suitable ones, choose the one with the best appearance.

The criterion for choosing is the weight of the equipment. Please note that one machine can be several times heavier than another. The fact is that the material from which it is made is responsible for its “lightness”. The main components of such models are made of especially durable plastic, due to which their price is significantly lower. But at the same time, endurance decreases!

How to proceed? Here it is important to decide what you need the machine for: hemming rough jeans or sewing diapers for a child. The difference is how intense the load on the main nodes will be. The software that comes with each model can help in resolving the issue. In it you will find information about what types of fabrics a particular model is designed for.

Almost every sewing machine is equipped with a table. It is provided to make certain operations easier. In addition, it simplifies access to the shuttle.

The most convenient option is when the table is not removable, but retractable. It does not interfere with sewing and folds with one click.

The question often arises: should I buy a computer-controlled sewing machine? Their memory provides a huge number of stitches, embroidery functions, automatic threading, and needle reinforcement. Such machines really have many advantages, but their price is significantly higher. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, computer options should be chosen more carefully.

Take the time to study the instructions and consult several sales points. After all we're talking about not only about high price, but also expensive repairs!

Very often, when choosing a model, you can get confused due to the presence of a large number of different stitches. Soberly assess the situation, how many of them you will actually use. And if only a standard straight line and a zigzag, then why overpay?

But the method of producing the loop is actually an important parameter. It is best to choose a model that makes a buttonhole automatically; it should have a special foot. You need to focus on the fact that budget models perform loops manually, while slightly more expensive options do them semi-automatically.

It is quite rare to take this into account important point like car repair. Of course, like all equipment, it also breaks down, various units fail. And this happens because the technology of use is violated, or natural wear of parts occurs.

All machines from well-known manufacturers are given a one-year warranty, after which, if the device breaks down, you will have to contact specialists and pay for repairs at your own expense.